Damien Cole rises from the grass roots.

Independent candidate for South Barwon Damien Cole is hoping the winds of change can blow him past both major parties and into office at November 24’s state election.

Mr Cole is a committee member of the Greater Torquay Alliance and said becoming the group’s candidate (or a candidate generally) was “never part of the plan”, but he decided to take it on regardless.

“If this is for the benefit of the community, I’m happy to throw everything I’ve got at it.

“I don’t consider myself a politician –I will always consider myself, if I get elected, an elected community representative. I don’t have necessarily the career aspiration mentality, I really want to help our community and people and our environment.”

Mr Cole said he had received messages of support from around the world.

“It’s a grassroots movement; this is bigger than just one election campaign.